Senior Visual Designer (Graphic Designer III - Non-Exempt) - Strategic Marketing & Communications

 **SFSU INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY**

Working Title

Senior Visual Designer

SF State University

San Francisco State is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.  Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Senior Human Resources Manager.

Applicants may visit titleix.sfsu.edu for more information on SF State's policy prohibiting discrimination, and how to file an online report using the procedures under Executive Order 1096 Revised. Inquiries can be directed to the campus Title IX Coordinator and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Administrator by calling (415) 338-2032 or emailing vpsaem@sfsu.edu.

San Francisco State is a 100% Smoke/Vapor-Free Campus.  Smoking or Vaping of any tobacco/plant-based substance is not permitted on any University properties.

The person holding this position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect  Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

This position may be a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code.  The successful candidate accepting this position may be required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Department

Strategic Marketing and Communications

Appointment Type

This is a one-year probationary appointment.

Time Base

Full-Time (1.0)

Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Anticipated Hiring Range

$5,877 - $6,350 Per Month ($70,524 - $76,200 Annually)

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Position Summary

The Senior Visual Designer plays a key leadership role on the Strategic Marketing and Communications team, responsible for producing and directing high-level visual design across both digital and traditional media. This position is central to shaping branded communications that support the university’s strategic goals in student recruitment, yield, retention, and donor and alumni engagement.

With a strong foundation in both traditional print and digital design, the Senior Visual Designer creates impactful, audience-focused materials including viewbooks, campaign collateral, donor reports, and other major publications. The role also provides visual direction across channels, mentors junior designers, helps further develop the university’s visual branding, and works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to maintain a consistent and compelling brand identity.

This designer must be comfortable working in Figma for collaborative design, wireframing, and prototyping in partnership with content and digital teams.

Position Information

Strategic Design Execution

• Lead the development of high-level branded materials, including Admissions publications (viewbooks, brochures, strategic recruitment pieces, Donor and alumni publications (impact reports, case statements, campaign identities, University-wide branding projects and cross-platform campaigns
• Create sophisticated layouts and design systems for both digital and print formats
• Use Figma to build, refine, and share design concepts collaboratively, especially for digital publications, presentations, and high-impact communications
• Translate strategic messaging into compelling visual narratives
• Apply accessibility standards and ensure consistency with university brand guidelines

Strategic Design Execution

• Lead the development of high-level branded materials, including Admissions publications (viewbooks, brochures, strategic recruitment pieces, Donor and alumni publications (impact reports, case statements, campaign identities, University-wide branding projects and cross-platform campaigns
• Create sophisticated layouts and design systems for both digital and print formats
• Use Figma to build, refine, and share design concepts collaboratively, especially for digital publications, presentations, and high-impact communications
• Translate strategic messaging into compelling visual narratives
• Apply accessibility standards and ensure consistency with university brand guidelines

Creative Direction and Mentorship

• Provide design leadership across the creative team; offer critique, guidance, and quality control
• Support junior designers through hands-on mentoring, feedback, and professional development
• Guide the visual strategy and quality of smaller-scale communications (e.g., social, email, and ads) without being the primary executor

Client and Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with internal partners across departments to shape communication goals into design solutions
• Present design concepts and rationale clearly and confidently to non-design audiences
• Manage expectations, intake feedback, and balance creative vision with institutional needs

Project and Production Oversight

• Prepare final files for both digital delivery and professional printing
• Write print specs, manage vendor relationships, and attend press checks as needed
• Maintain organized project files and asset libraries using DAM systems and collaborative tools

Other duties as assigned 

Minimum Qualifications

Entry to the first level within this classification requires foundation knowledge in the principles and techniques of artistic and graphic design as well as demonstrated design and artistic skills. This knowledge and skill normally is obtained through a college degree in graphic design, fine arts, or a related field or through technical experience and/or relevant coursework. In addition, strong communication skills and the ability to use and maintain currency with applicable computer software packages and systems are essential to entering this classification.

• Extensive knowledge of communications and graphic design theory; advanced skills in graphic art, design and illustration; knowledge of production techniques and processes; and a demonstrated understanding of marketing communications.
• Advanced skills in complex computer graphics software and interactive technologies including a thorough understanding of file formats and peripheral software (e.g., printing, scanning, film recording) and working knowledge of graphics delivery and implementation software.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable copyright laws relative to the use of graphic and textual materials.
• Strong art direction, project planning and project management skills.
• Ability to work in a variety of media formats such as 35mm slides, broadcast and compressed video, and web site design, including an understanding of the processes and techniques involved. 
• Extensive knowledge of printing and other vendor services to ensure the most effective use of resources.
• Strong consultative and persuasive skills including demonstrated subject matter expertise in key instructional or promotional areas requiring graphic communications support.
• Demonstrated ability managing project budgets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or related field
• 7+ years of professional design experience with a strong portfolio of print and digital work
• Fluency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Professional working experience in Figma, with an ability to build, iterate, and collaborate in real-time
• Experience designing multi-page, long-form publications for print and digital distribution
• Strong understanding of branding, typography, layout, and visual hierarchy
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations
• Familiarity with project management and digital asset management tools (e.g. Airtable, Asana, DAM systems)
• Basic motion/video experience (After Effects, Premiere Pro) a plus
• Knowledge of accessibility guidelines (WCAG 2.1, ADA standards)
• Ability to coach others and foster a collaborative creative culture

Environmental/Physical/Special

Occasional additional on-site presence may be required for press checks, photo shoots or in-person collaboration on days that fall outside of normal on-campus work schedule.

Pre-Employment Requirements

This position requires the successful completion of a background check.

Eligibility to Work

Applicants must be able to provide proof of US Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States, within three business days from their date of hire.

Benefits

Threaded through our Total Compensation package is a commitment to Bridging Life's Transitions.  SF State is committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive program that rewards efforts that are appreciated by your colleagues, students and the customers we serve.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Pension, 401k, Healthcare Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Vacation and Sick Leave as well as State Holidays and a dynamic Fee Waiver program, all geared towards the University's commitment to attract, motivate and retain our employee.

CSUEU Position (For CSUEU Positions Only)

Eligible and qualified on-campus applicants, currently in bargaining units 2, 5, 7, and 9 are given hiring preference.

Additional Information

 **SFSU INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY**

Application Requirements

To be considered, applicants must submit the following:

• A portfolio showcasing a range of both print and digital work
• A cover letter explaining their interest in the role and relevant experience

SF STATE IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (i.e. H1-B VISAS).

Thank you for your interest in employment with California State University (CSU).  CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California.  Because of this, CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside of California with very limited exception.  While this position may be eligible for occasional telework, all work is expected to be performed in the state of California, and this position is assigned to on-campus operations.

CSU strongly encourages faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be immunized against COVID-19. The systemwide policy can be found at https://calstate.policystat.com/policy/9779821/latest/.

The Human Resources office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (415) 338-1872.

Please note that this position, position requirements, application deadline and/or any other component of this position is subject to change or cancellation at any time.